Manchester United, having emphatically conquered Europe in the space of two minutes, went in search of new frontiers six years ago, taking part in the World Club Championships in Brazil.

Fifa hoped their new wheeze could become as enthralling and lucrative as the World Cup and needed the world's best teams present. The FA, keen not to antagonise Fifa while bidding to host the 2006 World Cup, offered United a get-out clause from the FA Cup. United agreed to withdraw from a competiton that must have then seemed like a mere trifle after their treble.

In the Maracana, David Beckham didn't help the recovery of his post-France '98 reputation by getting sent off against Mexico's Necaxa in the opening match, but United managed to scramble to a late draw.

The second game against South American champions Vasco da Gama was a mustwin for United. Instead, they got tonked. Romario, instrumental in Barcelona's 40 thrashing of United six years previously, again enjoyed himself with two goals thanks to a couple of Gary Neville howlers.

Approaching half-time, Vasco's Edmundo collected the ball on the edge of the area, spun past Mikael Silvestre and lifted the ball over Mark Bosnich for a sumptuous goal that ended United's tournament in the space of three days. The English FA went on to lose their bid for the World Cup as well, despite there being no Bayern Munich in Brazil.

It's been all downhill since for United whose anticipated millennium of dominance has failed to materialise.

Meanwhile, Chelsea won the 2000 FA Cup. . .